A comparative in vitro assessment of the drug release performance of pH-responsive polymers for ileo-colonic delivery

The aim of this study was to investigate the in vitro dissolution characteristics of pH-responsive polymers in a variety of simulated fluids. Prednisolone tablets were fabricated and coated with the following polymer systems: Eudragit S (organic solution), Eudragit S (aqueous dispersion), Eudragit FS (aqueous dispersion) and Eudragit P4135 (organic solution). Dissolution tests were conducted using a pH change method whereby tablets were transferred from acid to buffer. Three different buffer media were investigated: two compendial phosphate buffers (pH range 6.8-7.4) and a physiological buffer solution (Hanks buffer) with very similar ionic composition to intestinal fluid (pH 7.4). There was considerable drug release from tablets coated with Eudragit P4135 in acid, prompting discontinuation of further investigations of this polymer. Eudragit S (organic solution), Eudragit S (aqueous dispersion) and Eudragit FS on the other hand prevented drug release in acid, though subsequent drug release in the buffer media was found to be influenced by the duration of tablet exposure to acid. At pH 7.4 drug release rate from the polymer coated tablets was similar in the two compendial media, however in the physiological buffer, they were found to differ in the following order: Eudragit S (aqueous dispersion)>Eudragit FS>Eudragit S (organic solution). The results indicate that the tablets coated with the newer Eudragit FS polymer would be more appropriate for drug delivery to the ileo-colonic region in comparison to the more established Eudragit S. More importantly, however, dissolution in the physiological buffer was found to be markedly slower for all the coated tablets than in the two compendial buffers, a result akin to reported slower dissolution of enteric coated tablets in vivo. There is therefore the need to adequately simulate the ionic composition of the intestinal fluid in the dissolution media.     

Novel time and site specific “tablets in capsule” system for nocturnal asthma treatment

The objective of present work was to develop a “tablets in capsule” system for facilitating both immediate and pulsatile drug deliveries of theophylline to mimic the circadian rhythm of nocturnal asthma. The system comprised of capsule filled with two tablets, first pulse and second pulse tablet prepared by wet granulation method. First pulse tablet was not coated and was responsible for providing loading dose whereas; second pulse tablet was coated with Eudragit L100 and Eudragit S100 to release drug in colon after specific lag time. Two independent variables, amount of polymers and coating thickness, were optimized by 3² full factorial design. The optimum formulation consisted of Eudragit L100: Eudragit S100 in 1:1.5 ratio and coating thickness of 20 % (w/w). In vitro drug release of “tablets in capsule” system in three different media (pH 1.2, pH 6.8, and pH 7.4) revealed immediate and pulsatile release patterns.     

Design of a potential colonic drug delivery system of mesalamine

The aim of the present investigation was to develop a site-specific colonic drug delivery system, built on the principles of the combination of pH and time sensitivity. Press-coated mesalamine tablets with a coat of HPMC E-15 were over-coated with Eudragit S100. The in vitro drug release study was conducted using sequential dissolution technique at pH 1.2, 6.0, 7.2 and 6.4 mimicking different regions of gastrointestinal tract. The optimized batch (F2) showed less than 6% of drug release before reaching colonic pH 6.4 and complete drug release was obtained thereafter within 2 hr. A short-term dissolution stability study demonstrated statistical insignificant difference in drug release.     

美沙拉嗪肠溶缓释片的制备与体外释放度考察

目的 制备美沙拉嗪肠溶缓释片,考察其体外释放。方法 以体外释放相似因子（f₂）为主要评价指标,通过单因素处方筛选和正交试验设计得到最优处方,重现三批,比较自制美沙拉嗪肠溶缓释片与参比制剂的体外释放行为。 结果 片芯中羧甲基纤维素钠（CMC 7HXF PH）用量为45 mg,羧甲淀粉钠（CMSNa）用量为35 mg;肠溶包衣层中Eudragit L100和Eudragit S100以2:3的比例联用,包衣增重为6%。自制肠溶缓释片与参比制剂的相似因子f₂值均大于50。 结论 自制美沙拉嗪肠溶缓释片与参比制剂体外释放相似,处方工艺稳定可重现,可用于美沙拉嗪肠溶缓释片的制备。     

Development and release mechanism of diltiazem HCl prolonged release matrix tablets

A coated matrix tablet formulation has been used to develop controlled release diltiazem HCl (DIL) tablets. The developed drug delivery system provided prolonged drug release rates over a defined period of time. DIL tablets prepared using dry mixing and direct compression and the core consisted of hydrophilic and hydrophobic polymers such as hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC), Eudragits RLPO/RSPO, microcrystalline cellulose, and lactose. Tablets were coated with Eudragit NE 30D, and the influence of varying the inert hydrophobic polymers and the amount of the coating polymer were investigated. The release profile of the developed formulation was described by the Higuchi model. Stability trials up to 6 months displayed excellent reproducibility.     

Development of novel budesonide pellets based on CODES(TM) technology: In vitro/in vivo evaluation in induced colitis in rats

Background and the purpose of the study

Budesonide is the drug of choice for treatment of active inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The aim of this study was to develop budesonide pellets based on a novel colon drug delivery system (CODES).

Methods

Pellet cores containing lactulose or mannitol were prepared by extrusion/spheronization and coated with an acid soluble polymer (Eudragit E100), hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose (HPMC) and an enteric coat (Eudragit FS 30D) sequentially. In vitro drug release of coated pellets was studied using USP dissolution apparatus type II in buffers of pH 1.2 (2 hrs), pH of 7.4 (4 hrs) and pH of 6.8 containing 8% rat cecal contents (RCC) (18 hrs). The efficacy of the optimized formulation (containing 50% lactulose coated with Eudragit E (30% w/w) and Eudragit FS 30D (12% w/w)) was evaluated against 2, 4, 6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis in rats.

Results

The results of the kind of bacteria in vitro dissolution tests indicated absence of drug release in pHs of 1.2 and 7.4 and controlled release in buffer of pH 6.8 containing RCC. It was found that release rate was controlled by the type and amount of polysaccharide and the thickness of the acid soluble layer. The prepared formulation showed promising results in alleviating the conditions of experimental model of colitis.

Conclusion

The results of this study suggest that pellets based on CODES technology could be useful for colonic delivery of budesonide.     

Design of a colonic delivery system based on cationic polymethacrylate (Eudragit E100)-mesalamine complexes

In this work, the design and evaluation of a colonic drug delivery system containing mesalamine (M) is presented. The main goal was to enable M to reach the first part of the colon, where the drug could then be released. To facilitate this, a tablet core was coated with two thin layers. The first compounded by chitosan, which was responsible for core protection in the small intestine until it reached the colon. Once at the colon, microbiological enzymatic activity of the caecal content would degrade the Ch layer, thus triggering drug release. The second layer, the outer one, was compounded with Eudragit L100 (EL), with its function being to avoid the dissolution of the Ch-covered core along the gastro intestinal tract (GIT). In order to achieve a modulated drug release, carbomer P934 (1%) was also included. Dissolution studies showed that the formulation seemed to behave as predicted. The amount of M released from the coated tablet was less than 10% at pH?=?1.2 and 6.8. However, when the coated tablet was evaluated in a medium with a caecal content of pH?=?7.4, the M delivery was immediately triggered owing to enzymatic activity of the microflora. In this medium, ～ 60% of M was released in a period of 3?h. Although these results are promising, further studies are still necessary to evaluate the possible in vitro/in vivo correlations.     

Optimization of Chronomodulated Delivery System Coated with a Blend of Ethyl Cellulose and Eudragit L100 by Central Composite Design: In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation

Introduction

In this study, we present the development of a chronomodulated delivery system consisting of a fast-swelling tablet core containing montelukast sodium coated with a blend of different ratios of ethyl cellulose (gastrointestinal tract (GIT)-insoluble polymer) and Eudragit L100 (enteric polymer). Montelukast sodium is a leukotriene receptor antagonist commonly prescribed for patients of asthma and allergic rhinitis. Asthma and allergic rhinitis share a common core pathophysiology and have almost similar temporal pattern in their occurrence or exacerbation of their respective symptoms, suggesting a role for chronotherapy.

Methods

The developed formulation was optimized statistically using central composite design to achieve desired release profile. The coated tablets were studied for water uptake, bursting time, and in vitro release study.

Results

The bursting time (lag time) of coated tablet was affected by the pH of buffer, molarity of ions, and concentration of different types of surfactant in dissolution media. With increasing percentage of Eudragit L100 in coating composition, the lag time decreased and release rates significantly increased—could be attributed due to increase in water uptake and polymer leaching. As expected, with increasing coating level, lag time increased and release rate decreased due to the increased diffusion pathways. In vivo study revealed comparative pharmacokinetic profiles of core tablets and pulsatile release tablets (PRTs); however, T _max of 2 h for core tablets and 6 h for PRTs were observed.

Conclusion

Thus, designed PRTs were found to be suitable in treating episodic attack of asthma in early morning and associated allergic rhinitis.     

Design and evaluation of sustained release bilayer tablets of propranolol hydrochloride

The objective of the present research was to develop a bilayer tablet of propranolol hydrochloride using superdisintegrant sodium starch glycolate for the fast release layer and water immiscible polymers such as ethylcellulose, Eudragit RLPO and Eudragit RSPO for the sustaining layer. In vitro dissolution studies were carried out in a USP 24 apparatus I. The formulations gave an initial burst effect to provide the loading dose of the drug followed by sustained release for 12 h from the sustaining layer of matrix embedded tablets. In vitro dissolution kinetics followed the Higuchi model via a non-Fickian diffusion controlled release mechanism after the initial burst release. FT-IR studies revealed that there was no interaction between the drug and polymers used in the study. Statistical analysis (ANOVA) showed no significant difference in the cumulative amount of drug release after 15 min, but significant difference (p < 0.05) in the amount of drug released after 12 h from optimized formulations was observed.     

Optimization and pharmacotechnical evaluation of compression‐coated colon‐specific drug delivery system of triphala using factorial design

The purpose of the present investigation was to achieve successful delivery specifically to the colon using guar gum as a compression coat over a core tablet of triphala. In this study, guar gum along with hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) was used as a compression‐coating polymer. The drug delivery system was based on the gastrointestinal transit time concept, assuming colon arrival time to be 6 h. Rapidly disintegrating core tablets containing 100‐mg triphala extract were compression coated with guar gum and HPMC. A 3² full factorial design was applied for optimization of the formulation. Both variables, the proportion of guar gum in polymer blend (X₁) and coat weight of the tablet (X₂), had an influence on the percent drug release after 4 h of dissolution of tablet in the presence of rat cecal content (Y240) and difference in percent drug release between 4 h and 10 h of dissolution of tablet in the presence of rat cecal content (YD).The results revealed that for protecting the rapidly disintegrating core of triphala in the physiological conditions of stomach and upper intestine, the core tablet should be coated with 50% of guar gum in coat formulation and higher coat weight. The proportion of guar gum exhibited predominant action as compared to coat weight. In vivo performance was assessed via an x‐ray roentgenography study by placing barium sulfate as an x‐ray opaque material instead of triphala. The guar gum–HPMC coating was found to be a promising drug delivery system for drugs such as triphala and sennosides to be delivered to the colon. Drug Dev. Res. 65:34–42, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Statistical optimization of indomethacin pellets coated with pH-dependent methacrylic polymers for possible colonic drug delivery

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of two factors (ratio of Eudragit S100 and Eudragit L100 and the coating level) on indomethacin release from pellets in order to optimize coating formulations for colonic delivery. Coating formulations were designed based on the full factorial design. Two independent variables were the ratio of Eudragit S100:Eudragit L100 (1:4, 1:1 and 1:0) and the level of coating (10%, 15% and 20%, w/w), respectively. The evaluated responses were lag time prior to drug release at pH 6.8 (the time required for drug release up to 2%) and percent of drug release at pH 6.8 in 5h. Polymers were coated onto the pellets containing 20% (w/w) indomethacin, using a fluidized bed coating apparatus. Dissolution test was carried out in media with different pH (1.2, 6.5, 6.8 and 7.2). The dissolution data revealed that the level of coating and the ratio of polymers are very important to achieve optimum formulation. Using responses and resulted statistical equations, optimum formulation consisted of Eudragit S100:L100 in 4:1 ratio and the level of coating (20%) was predicted. Practical results showed that the pellets prepared according to above formulation released no indomethacin at pH 1.2 (simulating stomach pH) and pH 6.5 (simulating proximal part of small intestine pH); drug release was slowly at pH 6.8 (simulating lower part of small intestine pH), but it was fast at pH 7.2 (simulating terminal ileum pH). The results of this study revealed that factorial design is a suitable tool for optimization of coating formulations to achieve colon delivery. It was shown that coating formulation consisted of Eudragit S100:Eudragit L100 in 4:1 ratio at 20% coating level has potential for colonic delivery of indomethacin loaded pellets. The optimized formulation produced dissolution profiles that were close to predicted values.     

The effect of tablet formulation and hardness on in vitro release of cephalexin from Eudragit L100 based extended release tablets

Eighteen batches of cephalexin extended release tablet were prepared by wet granulation method by using Eudragit L100. The effect of the concentration of Eudragit L100, microcrystalline cellulose and tablet hardness on cephalexin release was studied. The formulated tablets were also characterized for physical and chemical parameters. The dissolution results showed that a higher amount of Eudragit in tablet composition and higher tablet hardness resulted in reduced drug release. An increased amount of microcrystalline cellulose in tablet composition resulted in enhanced drug release. Tablet composition of 13.3% w/w Eudragit L100 and 6.6 to 8% w/w microcrystalline cellulose with hardness of 7-11 kg/cm2 gave predicted release for 6 h. The in vitro release was compared with a marketed tablet. Physical and chemical parameters of all formulated tablets were within acceptable limits. The effect of storage on in vitro release and physicochemical parameters of tablets was evaluated and two batches among formulated eighteen batches found to be in acceptable limits.     

Iron oxide induced enhancement of mucoadhesive potential of Eudragit RLPO: formulation,evaluation and optimization of mucoadhesive drug delivery system

Objectives: The objective of the study was to investigate the effect of iron oxide in the development of mucoadhesive tablets of cinnarizine using Eudragit RLPO polymer. A simplex lattice design was employed for optimizing the drug delivery system.

Methods: Different concentrations of Eudragit RLPO (X₁), iron oxide (X₂) and PVP K 30 (X₃) were taken as independent variables and mucoadhesive strength, t_50%, t_90%, MDT and tablet tensile strength were the selected response variables. Contour and 3D plots were drawn to portray the relationship between independent and response variables. Ex vivo studies were performed for the determination of mucoadhesive strength of formulated tablets employing texture analyzer. ATR-FTR, DSC and zeta potential determination were conducted for drug-excipient and ionic interaction studies.

Results: Friability, hardness and tensile strength of mucoadhesive tablet formulation were found to be 0.42 ± 0.21%, 3.93 ± 1.57 kg/cm² and 0.65 ± 0.26 mN/m², respectively. Mucoadhesive strength was found to be ranging between 5.75 ± 4.41 and 42.85 ± 3.94 g. Value of release exponent (n) was found to be 0.65 ± 0.22, indicating anomalous drug release behavior from the formulations. Numerical optimization using the desirability approach was employed for developing optimized formulation by setting constraints of the dependent and independent variables. The mucoadhesive tablet formulation composition consisting of 8.58% w/w Eudragit RLPO, 7.02% w/w iron oxide and 7.26% w/w PVP K 30 fulfilled maximum requirements of an optimum formulation with better regulation of the selected constraints.

Conclusions: Eudragit RLPO and iron oxide combination showed high level potential for fabricating gastroretentive as well as mucoadhesive drug delivery systems.     

Formulation and evaluation of omeprazole tablets for duodenal ulcer

Omeprazole pellets containing mucoadhesive tablets were developed by direct punch method. Three mucoadhesive polymers namely hydroxypropylemethylcellulose K4M, sodium carboxy methylcellulose, carbopol-934P and ethyl cellulose were used for preparation of tablets which intended for prolong action may be due to the attachment with intestinal mucosa for relief from active duodenal ulcer. Mucoadhesive tablets were coated with respective polymer and coated with Eudragit L100 to fabricate enteric coated tablets. The prepared tablets were evaluated for different physical parameters and dissolution study were performed in three dissolution mediums like 0.1N hydrochloric acid for 2h, pH 6.5 and pH 7.8 phosphate buffer solution for 12hr. Sodium carboxymethylcellulose showed above 95% release within 10 h where as carbopol-934P showed slow release about 88% to 92% over a period of 12 h. having excellent mucoadhesive strength but ethyl cellulose containing tablets showed less than 65% release. The release mechanism of all formulation was diffusion controlled confirmed from Higuchi's plot. Thus, the present study concluded that, carbopol-934P containing mucoadhesive tablets of omeprazole pellets can be used for local action in the ulcer disease as well as for oral controlled release drug delivery.     

Tailoring of drug delivery of 5-fluorouracil to the colon via a mixed film coated unit system

The study was carried out to establish the effectiveness of a mixed film composed of ethylcellulose/Eudragit S100 for colonic delivery of 5-flourouracil (5-FU). Tablets cores containing 5-FU were prepared by direct compression method by coating at different levels (2-9%, m/m) with a non-aqueous solution containing ethylcellulose/Eudragit S100. Coated tablets were studied for the in vitro release of 5-FU and the samples were analyzed spectrophotometrically at 266 nm. Drug release from coated systems depended on the thickness of the mixed film and the composition of the core. Channel formation was initiated in the coat by dissolution of the Eudragit S100 fraction at higher pH in the colonic region. The release was found to be higher in tablets containing Avicel as filler owing to its wicking action compared to that from lactose containing cores. Furthermore, batches containing superdisintegrant (1%, m/m Cross-PVP) along with Avicel in the core released approximately 81.1% drug during the colonic transit time. Kinetic studies indicated that all the formulations followed first-order release kinetics. The developed delivery system will expectedly deliver the drug to the colon.     

Properties of hot-melt extruded tablet formulations for the colonic delivery of 5-aminosalicylic acid.

Hot-melt extruded tablets were prepared using Eudragit S 100 as the polymeric carrier to target delivery of 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) to the colon. Scanning electron microscopy, modulated differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction analysis of the hot-melt tablet extrudates demonstrated that 5-ASA remained crystalline and was homogeneously dispersed throughout the polymer matrix. A pre-plasticization step was necessary when incorporating triethyl citrate (TEC) into the formulation in order to achieve uniform mixing of the polymer and plasticizer, effectively reduce the polymer glass transition temperature (T(g)), and to lower the processing temperatures. The concentration of TEC in the extrudates not only influenced the processing temperature, but also influenced the drug release rates from the extruded tablets due to leaching of the TEC during dissolution testing. Citric acid monohydrate was found to plasticize Eudragit S 100, and when combined with TEC in the powder blend, the temperatures required for processing were reduced. Tablets containing citric acid released drug at a slower rate as a result of the suppression of polymer ionization due to a decrease in the micro-environmental pH of the tablet. The drug release profiles of the extruded tablets were found to fit both diffusion and surface erosion models.     

Colon specific CODES based Piroxicam tablet for colon targeting: statistical optimization,in vivo roentgenography and stability assessment

Abstract

This study was aimed to statistically optimize CODES? based Piroxicam (PXM) tablet for colon targeting. A 3² full factorial design was used for preparation of core tablet that was subsequently coated to get CODES? based tablet. The experimental design of core tablets comprised of two independent variables: amount of lactulose and PEG 6000, each at three different levels and the dependent variable was %CDR at 12?h. The core tablets were evaluated for pharmacopoeial and non-pharmacopoeial test and coated with optimized levels of Eudragit E100 followed by HPMC K15 and finally with Eudragit S100. The in vitro drug release study of F1–F9 was carried out by change over media method (0.1?N HCl buffer, pH 1.2, phosphate buffer, pH 7.4 and phosphate buffer, pH 6.8 with enzyme β-galactosidase 120?IU) to select optimized formulation F9 that was subjected to in vivo roentgenography. Roentgenography study corroborated the in vitro performance, thus providing the proof of concept. The experimental design was validated by extra check point formulation and Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy revealed absence of any interaction between drug and formulation excipients. The shelf life of F9 was deduced as 12 months. Conclusively, colon targeted CODES? technology based PXM tablets were successfully optimized and its potential of colon targeting was validated by roentgenography.     

An Investigation into Formulation and Processing Strategies to Drive Gastroretention of Gabapentin Tablets

Purpose

The aim of the present work was to develop gastroretentive drug delivery system of gabapentin from different matrices prepared by hot melt or conventional wet granulation, which may enhance drug bioavailability. The influence of core type, granulation process, and coating level on the drug release rates was investigated.

Methods

Tablet cores were prepared from hydrophilic system of hypermellose, carboxy melthyl celloulse, and Avicel or hydrophobic system of ethyl cellulose, alginic acid, and stearic acid. The tablets were coated by Eudragit RL with triethyl citrate and compressed directly. These tablets were evaluated according to their in vitro dissolution profiles and release mechanisms.

Results

Hydrophobic matrices allowed the control of drug release. Hot melt granulation was an effective tool over wet granulation or coating for slowing release rates from hydrophobic tablets. Both hydrophobic polymer ratio and coating level influenced the drug release mechanism. The drug release of samples with minor proportion of ethyl cellulose and stearic acid or low Eudragit RL level was driven by anomalous transport and the increase of their proportions contributed to the erosion of the matrix.

Conclusions

Hydrophobic core tablet prepared from hot melt granulation and coated by Eudragit RL has shown to be a promising formulation intended to gastroretentive gabapentin delivery system.

     

4-氨基水杨酸钠结肠定位片的研究

目的制备一种新型口服结肠定位制剂，并考察其体外释药行为与犬体内的结肠定位特性。方法本试验选择4-氨基水杨酸钠作为模型药物，应用丙烯酸树脂Eudragit RL30D，RS30D和Eudragit FS30D分别作为缓释和肠溶层包衣材料，制得包衣片剂，使系统可依赖pH和时间双重机制释药。在体外释放试验中，系统在0.1 mol·L^-1盐酸溶液中运转2 h后，分别在pH为6.5，7.0或7.4的磷酸盐缓冲液中继续运转12 h。体内验证以放射性同位素锝（^99mTc）做标记，用γ-射线显影法来确定系统在胃肠道内的释药时间和位置。结果体外实验中，系统在0.1 mol·L^-1盐酸溶液中运转2 h后无药物释放，在pH高于6.5的介质中缓慢释药，介质的pH越高，药物释放越快。体内实验中， 包衣片在胃肠道上半部无药物释放， 到达结肠后开始释药； 而非包衣片在犬胃部即迅速崩解。结论本文采用的包衣材料使包衣片到达升结肠时开始释放药物，药物释放时间可达10 h以上。     

Novel mesalamine-loaded beads in tablets for delayed release of drug to the colon

Novel 'beads-in-a-tablet' formulations (total weight ～740-780?mg) have been prepared that meet USP 31 requirements for Delayed Release of mesalamine. Several methods are presented that overcome breakage of beads during tablet compaction were explored. Bead formulations comprise a combination of extrusion and spheronization to produce a relatively high drug load (80%), followed by coating (25%) with a colonic-targeted drug release polymer (polymethacrylates, Eudragit(?) S100), overcoated (3%) with hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (Opadry(?)) to improve bead binding and compactability, and using 20% coat of lactose/sodium starch glycolate (Explotab(?)) as binder/disintegrant/cushioning agent, thus allowing a sufficiently thick coating to be uniform and without being broken during tablet compaction. Then, the aforementioned beads were compressed into tablets at 1500 pounds of pressure containing 400?mg of mesalamine, and finally coating the compressed tablets with Surelease(?) (ethylcellulose):Opadry(?)?=?1:0.5 ranging from 1.5-2.5% weight gain; the resulting tablets met USP 31 dissolution requirements for delayed release tablets.